Hockey-Coaching Helmet Systems

ABSTRACT

Hockey-coaching helmet systems comprising protective headgear having a disguise element adapted to disguise the protective headgear as a baseball-style cap; the protective headgear is intended to be worn by coaches of athletic competitions, such as hockey coaches while maintaining required safety standards for hockey helmets.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/148,034, filed Jan. 28, 2009, entitled “HOCKEY-COACHING HELMET SYSTEMS”, the content of which is incorporated herein by this reference and is not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference section.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to providing systems for an improved protective helmet that protects a head, inclusive of the back of the head and at least substantially covering the occipital bone. Hockey coaches are often required to wear, during practice and games, head protective gear to minimize an injury resulting from potentially injurious impacts from a fall, a hockey puck, or a hockey stick. Most coaches find the current standardized hockey helmet to be restrictive in terms of their communications with the players. Many coaches prefer wearing a baseball-style cap of headwear, which by their nature do not provide the required protection of a helmet. Clearly, combining a less obtrusive form of head covering with the protective quality of a hockey helmet would be of great benefit to many in the sport of hockey. Further more, such a different hockey helmet style, should it exist, would also help to distinguish a hockey coach from the other participants on a hockey rink wearing “standard” hockey helmets.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide a system overcoming the above-mentioned problems.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide the hockey-coaching helmet systems that substantially covers the wearer's occipital bone.

It is yet a further object and feature of the present invention to provide the hockey-coaching helmet systems that substantially make the hockey coaches easily distinguishable from the other hockey players.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide the hockey-coaching helmet systems adapted to protect the skull of a hockey coach while permitting complete auditory, visual and verbal communication without blockage of eye, ear or mouth communication organs.

It is yet another object and feature of the present invention to provide an adjustable headband allowing the hockey-helmet wearer to set at least one helmet headband retaining pressure for his or her head.

A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a system, relating to providing at least one protective hockey-coaching helmet relating to hockey-coaching participants, comprising: at least one head protector structured and arranged to protect at least one skull portion of a head of the hockey-coaching participant; and at least one disguise element adapted to disguise such at least one head protector as a baseball cap; wherein such at least one head protector comprises at least one occipital bone-protective cover structured and arranged to protectively cover at least the occipital bone of the hockey-coaching participant; and wherein such at least one head protector comprises at least one securer structured and arranged to secure such at least one head protector over such at least one skull portion of the hockey-coaching participant.

Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least one securer comprises: at least one diameter adjuster structured and arranged to adjust at least one diameter circumferential about the head of the hockey-coaching participant; wherein such diameter adjustment circumferentially adjusts clamping pressure about the head of the hockey-coaching participant; and wherein such clamping pressure at least assists holding such at least one head protector on such head of such hockey-coaching participant.

Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one disguise element comprises at least one bill structured and arranged to assist disguising such at least one head protector as such baseball-style cap. Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one disguise element comprises at least one crown structured and arranged to assist disguising such at least one head protector as such baseball-style cap. In addition, it provides such a system wherein such at least one disguise element comprises at least one crown structured and arranged to assist disguising such at least one head protector as such baseball-style cap. And, it provides such a system wherein: such at least one bill comprises at least one first portion molded of high impact resistant plastic; such at least one crown comprises at least one second portion molded of high impact resistant plastic; and such at least one occipital bone-protective cover comprises at least one third portion molded of high impact resistant plastic; wherein such at least one second portion is adapted to fasten at least one first portion disguising as such baseball-style cap; and wherein at least one third portion is adapted to fasten to such at least one crown.

Further, it provides such a system wherein at least one head protector comprises: at least one unitary portion molded of high impact resistant plastic; wherein at least one unitary portion comprises such at least one crown and such at least one occipital bone protective cover. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one unitary portion further comprises such at least one bill. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least one head protector comprises: at least one peripheral shape; wherein such at least one peripheral shape is structured and arranged to surround the ears of the hockey-coaching participant; wherein the ear's of the hockey-coaching participant remain substantially uncovered during wearing of such at least one head protector.

Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one head protector comprises an unobstructed area covering such hockey-coaching participant eyes. Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one head protector comprises an unobstructed area covering such hockey-coaching participant mouth. In addition, it provides such a system wherein such at least one securer comprises at least one chinstrap. And, it provides such a system wherein such at least one head protector comprises indicia.

Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one head protector structured and arranged to meet or exceed Canadian Standards Association ice-hockey-helmet standard, known as “CSA Z262.1-M90-CAN/CSA (R2007) Ice Hockey Helmets”. Even further, it provides such a system wherein at least one air-circulation vent structured and arranged to assist air circulation through such at least one crown.

Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least one crown further comprises: at least one substantially rigid outer shell structured and arranged to provide at least one rigid outer shell protection; at least one force-dissipating liner structured and arranged to dissipate impact forces; wherein such at least one substantially rigid outer shell is further structured and arrange to substantially surround at least one force-dissipating liner.

Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one rigid outer shell further comprises at least one molded plastic. Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one force-dissipating liner comprises at least one expanded polymer foam. In addition, it provides such a system wherein such at least one occipital bone protective cover further comprises: at least one substantially rigid outer shell structured and arranged to provide at least one rigid outer shell protection; at least one force-dissipating liner structured and arranged to dissipate impact forces; wherein such at least one substantially rigid outer shell is further structured and arrange to substantially surround at least one force-dissipating liner.

And, it provides such a system wherein such at least one rigid outer shell further comprises at least one molded plastic. Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one force-dissipating liner comprises at least one expanded polymer foam.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a system, relating to providing a protective hockey-coaching helmet relating to hockey-coaching participants, comprising: head protector means for protecting the skull of a hockey-coaching participant; and disguise means for disguising such head protector means as a baseball-style cap; wherein such head protector means comprises occipital bone-protective cover means for protective covering of at least the hockey-coaching participant occipital bone; and wherein such head protector means comprises securer means for securing such head protector means to the hockey-coaching participant skull. And it provides for each and every novel feature, element, combination, step and/or method disclosed or suggested by this patent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side view, illustrating in use a hockey-coaching helmet of the hockey-coaching helmet systems, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view, illustrating the hockey-coaching helmet, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the hockey-coaching helmet according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows the cross-sectional view 4-4 of FIG. 3, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a side view, illustrating a preferred arrangement of vents of the hockey-coaching helmet, according to an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a side view, illustrating a securing element of the hockey-coaching helmet, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the hockey-coaching helmet systems, including the hockey-coaching helmet with the baseball-cap style, protects a wearer's head from potentially injurious impacts. Injurious impacts result from an errant hockey puck, an errant hockey stick, or any fall by a wearer to the ice floor. A backward fall of the wearer can result in an injurious impact to the back of the wearer's head. A forward fall of the wearer can result in an injurious impact to the front or a side of the wearer's head.

The additional important feature of the hockey-coaching helmet is the baseball-style cap providing better verbal, visual, or auditory communications between a coach and a hockey player. Another feature of the baseball-style cap is to help distinguish the coach from the other hockey players, lessening the likelihood that the puck will be mistakenly shot to the coach not expecting the shot.

FIG. 1 shows a side view, illustrating in use hockey-coaching helmet 102 of hockey-coaching helmet systems 100, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, hockey-coaching helmet systems 100 comprise at least one hockey-coaching helmet 102, as shown. Hockey-coaching helmet 102 (at least herein embodying at least one head protector structured and arranged to protect at least one skull portion of a head of the hockey-coaching participant) preferably comprises at least one crown 110, at least one bill 105, at least one occipital-bone protector 106, and at least one lower portion 114, as shown. Crown 110 preferably functions to protect the upper portions of wearer's head 104. Crown 110 and bill 105 (at least herein embodying at least one disguise element adapted to disguise such at least one head protector as a baseball cap) are preferably formed to closely emulate the baseball-style cap, as shown. The baseball-style cap is defined herein as a style of headwear comprising a crown with a stiffened and curved bill preferably long enough to form a visor, as shown.

Occipital-bone protector 106 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one head protector comprises at least one occipital bone-protective cover structured and arranged to protectively cover at least the occipital bone of the hockey-coaching participant) is preferably situated on lower portion 114 of hockey-coaching helmet 102, as shown. Ear 113 of wearer's head 104 is preferably unprotected allowing unobstructed sound waves to reach ear 113 (this arrangement at least embodying wherein such at least one peripheral shape is structured and arranged to surround the ears of the hockey-coaching participant; and, at least embodying wherein the ear's of the hockey-coaching participant remain substantially uncovered during wearing of such at least one head protector). Occipital-bone protector 106 preferably comprises a flanking set of ear edges 117 (the left-side ear edge 117 being shown in FIG. 1). Occipital-bone protector 106 preferably wraps symmetrically around the back of crown 110, preferably substantially covering occipital bone 108 (see FIG. 4) of wearer's head 104. Occipital-bone protector 106 is preferably configured to place each ear edge 117 adjacent a respective ear 113, as shown, but preferably does not cover ear 113. The exposed ear 113 visually reinforces the preferable look and style of hockey-coaching helmet 102.

Crown 110 preferably comprises at least one substantially rigid material comprising a sufficient level of resilience as to impart within the material a sufficient degree of impact resistance. Similarly, occipital-bone protector 106 preferably comprises at least one substantially rigid material comprising a sufficient level of resilience as to impart within the material a sufficient degree of impact resistance (at least herein embodying at least one substantially rigid outer shell structured and arranged to provide at least one rigid outer shell protection).

Hockey-coaching helmet 102 is preferably symmetrical from ear 113 on right to ear 113 on left of wearer's head 104. Bill 105 preferably extends forward from crown 110 a sufficient length to emulate the baseball-cap style. Bill 105 preferably extends forward from crown 110 a length of between about 1 inch to about 4 inches. Variable lengths of bill 105 provide options as to the amount of shielding from the brightness of overhead light.

Hockey-coaching helmet 102 is preferably constructed to substantially meet or exceed Canadian Standards Association ice-hockey-helmet standard (“CSAIHHS”), title: “CSA Z262.1-M90-CAN/CSA (R2007) Ice Hockey Helmets”, or the latest version of CSAIHHS (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one head protector structured and arranged to meet or exceed Canadian Standards Association ice-hockey-helmet standard, known as “CSA 2262.1-M90-CAN/CSA R2007 Ice Hockey Helmets”). It is noted that specific helmet data, including performance specifications is publicly available for download by accessing the Canadian Standards Association internet website (currently located at URL http://www.csa-intl.org). Crown 110 and occipital-bone protector 106 preferably utilizes material comprising characteristics capable of meeting or exceeding the standards of CSAIHHS.

Crown 110 and bill 105, forming peripheral shape 130 (at least herein embodying at least one peripheral shape), preferably do not obstruct the vision of wearer's head 104 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one head protector comprises an unobstructed area covering such hockey-coaching participant eyes) while wearing hockey-coaching helmet 102, as shown. Crown 110 and bill 105, forming peripheral shape 130, preferably also do not obstruct the speech of wearer's head 104 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one head protector comprises an unobstructed area covering such hockey-coaching participant mouth) while wearing hockey-coaching helmet 102.

Indicia 107 preferably comprise at least one graphic or at least one lettering applied on bill 105 or crown 110, as shown. Indicia 107 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one head protector comprises indicia) preferably comprise a hockey team logo, coach's name, or helmet-maker's brand name. Indicia 107 are preferably applied with silk-screening, pad printing, or stickers.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view, illustrating hockey-coaching helmet 102 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. Preferably, bill 105 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one unitary portion further comprises such at least one bill), crown 110, and occipital-bone protector 106 are molded as a single piece of impact resistant material. Alternately preferably, crown 110 and occipital-bone protector 106 (at least herein embodying at least one unitary portion molded of high impact resistant plastic; at least herein embodying wherein at least one unitary portion comprises such at least one crown and such at least one occipital bone protective cover) are molded as a single piece of impact resistant material, preferably forming at least one full skullcap 111. In this alternate preferred arrangement bill 105 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one bill comprises at least one first portion molded of high impact resistant plastic) is separately molded and attached to skullcap 111 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one second portion is adapted to fasten at least one first portion disguising as such baseball-style cap) to complete the assembly. Alternately preferably, bill 105, crown 110 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one crown comprises at least one second portion molded of high impact resistant plastic), and occipital-bone protector 106 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one occipital bone-protective cover comprises at least one third portion molded of high impact resistant plastic; at least herein embodying wherein at least one third portion is adapted to fasten to such at least one crown) are all molded separately of high impact resistant materials, and assembled from individual parts.

As previously mentioned, disguising elements of hockey-coaching helmet 102 preferably comprise bill 105 and crown 110 preferably formed in the shape of the baseball-style cap, as shown. Bill 105 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one disguise element comprises at least one bill structured and arranged to assist disguising such at least one head protector as such baseball-style cap) preferably comprises the shape of a bill on a baseball-style cap. Crown 110 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one disguise element comprises at least one crown structured and arranged to assist disguising such at least one head protector as such baseball cap) is preferably in the shape of a crown on the baseball-style cap. The combination of bill 105 and crown 110 preferably assist the design to provide the look and style of the baseball cap.

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of hockey-coaching helmet 102 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. Occipital-bone protector 106 is preferably attached to lower portion 114, as shown. Occipital-bone protector 106 is preferably substantially symmetrical about the median plane positioned on backside 128 of Hockey-coaching helmet 102, as shown. Occipital-bone protector 106 preferably extends down from crown 110 to a distance that substantially covers occipital bone 108 (see FIG. 4).

FIG. 4 shows the cross-sectional view 4-4 of FIG. 3 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. Hockey-coaching helmet 102 preferably comprises at least one helmet size adjuster 109, at least one headband 124, at least one inner liner 115, and at least one fitting pad 116, as shown. Helmet size adjuster 109 preferably comprises at least one mechanism for adjusting the circumferential size of headband 124 (at least herein embodying at least one diameter adjuster structured and arranged to adjust at least one diameter circumferential about the head of the hockey-coaching participant). Helmet size adjuster 109 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one head protector comprises at least one securer structured and arranged to secure such at least one head protector over such at least one skull portion of the hockey-coaching participant) preferably comprises a thumb wheel mechanism 140 that when rotated changes the circumference of headband 124 according to a size and a desired fit of wearer's head 104. Preferably, thumb wheel mechanism 140 is adaptable for use within helmet size adjuster 109 (as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,329,968 to Gordon) to circumferentially adjust clamping pressure about the head of the hockey-coaching participant, as shown. The wearer of hockey-coaching helmet 102 can preferably adjust the pressure of headband 124 (at least herein embodying wherein such diameter adjustment circumferentially adjusts clamping pressure about the head of the hockey-coaching participant) applied to wearer's head 104 by adjusting helmet size adjuster 109 assists in holding hockey-coaching helmet 102 on wearer's head 104 (at least herein embodying wherein such clamping pressure at least assists holding such at least one head protector on such head of such hockey-coaching participant).

Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as technology advances, material advances, adjuster advances, etc., other adjustment mechanisms, such as, elastic band, drawstring, etc., may suffice.

Headband 124 of hockey-coaching helmet 102 on wearer's head 104 preferably provides relative positioning of occipital-bone protector 106 substantially over the entire occipital bone 108 of wearer's head 104, as shown.

Crown 110 preferably comprises a substantially rigid outer shell 112 (at least herein embodying at least one substantially rigid outer shell structured and arranged to provide at least one rigid outer shell protection) inclosing at least one inner liner 115 (at least herein embodying at least one force-dissipating liner structured and arranged to dissipate impact forces), as shown. Outer shell 112 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one rigid outer shell further comprises at least one molded plastic) preferably comprises at least one substantially rigid material, preferably at least one molded thermo plastic comprising a sufficient level of resilience as to impart within the material a sufficient degree of impact resistance.

Inner liner 115 is preferably located within outer shell 112 of crown 110. Inner liner 115 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one substantially rigid outer shell is further structured and arrange to substantially surround at least one force-dissipating liner) preferably comprises a force dissipating foam 127, preferably a light-weight expanded polymer foam meeting or exceeding the minimum performance specifications of CSAIHHS. Preferably, foam 127 (at least herein embodying at least one force-dissipating liner structured and arranged to dissipate impact forces) provides shock absorption through crushing or deformation of the material subsequent to an impact to hockey-coaching helmet 102. Foam 127 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one force-dissipating liner comprises at least one expanded polymer foam) preferably comprises a closed cell expanded polymer foam, preferably polystyrene, alternately preferably polyurethane, and alternately preferably polypropylene.

Occipital-bone protector 106 preferably comprises a substantially rigid outer shell 129 preferably inclosing at least one portion of inner liner 115, as shown. Outer shell 112 preferably comprises at least one substantially rigid material, preferably at least one thermo plastic comprising a sufficient level of resilience as to impart within the material a sufficient degree of impact resistant. Inner liner 115 is preferably located within outer shell 129 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one substantially rigid outer shell is further structured and arrange to substantially surround at least one force-dissipating liner) of occipital-bone protector 106, as shown.

Fitting pads 116 are preferably attached to inner liner 115 between wearer's head 104 and inner liner 115, as shown. Each fitting pad 116 is substantially constructed from a soft elastomeric material, preferable soft expanded foam. Fitting pads 116 are preferably substantially soft contact points that conform to the shape of a specific wearer's head 104.

Crown 110 and occipital-bone protector 106 preferably provide impact protection from at least the direct blow of a hockey puck or a hockey stick to wearer's head 104. Other blows to wearer's head 104 often occur because of hitting the ice floor as a result of falling. If a coach falls backwards, occipital-bone protector 106 preferably provides protection from a direct blow to occipital bone 108. If the coach falls to either side, crown 110 preferably protects temporal bone 122, sphenoid bone 125, and parietal bone 123 from a direct floor impact. If the coach falls forward, bill 105 and crown 110 preferably protects frontal bone 121 and/or both parietal bones 123 from direct floor impact.

FIG. 5 shows a side view, illustrating a preferred arrangement of vents 118 of hockey-coaching helmet 102, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Hockey-coaching helmet 102 preferably comprises at least one vent 118 (at least herein embodying wherein at least one air-circulation vent structured and arranged to assist air circulation through such at least one crown), as shown. Added vents 118 preferably provide a path of airflow through hockey-coaching helmet 102 allowing heated air to escape crown 110. Air preferably enters under bill 105 subsequently moving between fitting pads 116 and wearer's head 104 then through vents 118. This airflow preferably provides cooling and increases the comfort of wearer's head 104. Vents 118 preferably allow convection of the accumulated body-heated air, contained inside crown 110, to exit.

FIG. 6 shows a side view, illustrating securing element 119 of hockey-coaching helmet 102, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Hockey-coaching helmet 102 preferably comprises at least one securing element 119, as shown. Securing element 119 preferably comprises at least one chinstrap 120 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one securer comprises at least one chinstrap) and at least two attachment points 126, as shown. Attachment points 126 are preferably placed at symmetrical positions on both sides of crown 110 with suitable fasteners to hold them in place. Chinstrap 120 is preferably secured around the chin of wearer's head 104 and preferably prevents hockey-coaching helmet 102 from being easily dislodged by a sudden jarring movement or impact.

Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes modifications such as diverse shapes, sizes, and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims. 

1) A system, relating to providing at least one protective hockey-coaching helmet relating to hockey-coaching participants, comprising: a) at least one head protector structured and arranged to protect at least one skull portion of a head of the hockey-coaching participant; and b) at least one disguise element adapted to disguise said at least one head protector as a baseball-style cap; c) wherein said at least one head protector comprises at least one occipital bone-protective cover structured and arranged to protectively cover at least the occipital bone of the hockey-coaching participant; and d) wherein said at least one head protector comprises at least one securer structured and arranged to secure said at least one head protector over such at least one skull portion of the hockey-coaching participant. 2) The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one securer comprises: a) at least one diameter adjuster structured and arranged to adjust at least one diameter circumferential about the head of the hockey-coaching participant; b) wherein such diameter adjustment circumferentially adjusts clamping pressure about the head of the hockey-coaching participant; and c) wherein such clamping pressure at least assists holding said at least one head protector on such head of such hockey-coaching participant. 3) The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one disguise element comprises at least one bill structured and arranged to assist disguising said at least one head protector as such baseball-style cap. 4) The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one disguise element comprises at least one crown structured and arranged to assist disguising said at least one head protector as such baseball-style cap. 5) The system according to claim 3 wherein said at least one disguise element comprises at least one crown structured and arranged to assist disguising said at least one head protector as such baseball-style cap. 6) The system according to claim 5 wherein: a) said at least one bill comprises at least one first portion molded of high impact resistant plastic; b) said at least one crown comprises at least one second portion molded of high impact resistant plastic; and c) said at least one occipital bone-protective cover comprises at least one third portion molded of high impact resistant plastic; d) wherein said at least one second portion is adapted to fasten to said at least one first portion disguising as such baseball-style cap; and e) wherein at least one third portion is adapted to fasten to said at least one crown. 7) The system according to claim 5 wherein at least one head protector comprises: a) at least one unitary portion molded of high impact resistant plastic; b) wherein said at least one unitary portion comprises said at least one crown and said at least one occipital bone protective cover. 8) The system according to claim 7 wherein said at least one unitary portion further comprises said at least one bill. 9) The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one securer comprises at least one chinstrap. 10) The system according to claim 9 wherein said at least one head protector comprises: a) at least one peripheral shape; b) wherein said at least one peripheral shape is structured and arranged to surround the ears of the hockey-coaching participant; and c) wherein the ears of the hockey-coaching participant remain substantially uncovered during wearing of said at least one head protector. 11) The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one head protector comprises an unobstructed area covering such hockey-coaching participant's eyes. 12) The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one head protector comprises an unobstructed area covering such hockey-coaching participant's mouth. 13) The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one head protector comprises indicia. 14) The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one head protector is structured and arranged to meet or exceed Canadian Standards Association ice-hockey-helmet standard, known as “CSA Z262.1-M90-CAN/CSA (R2007) Ice Hockey Helmets”. 15) The system according to claim 3 further comprising at least one air-circulation vent structured and arranged to assist air circulation through said at least one crown. 16) The system according to claim 5 wherein said at least one crown further comprises: a) at least one substantially rigid outer shell structured and arranged to provide at least one rigid outer shell protection; and b) at least one force-dissipating liner structured and arranged to dissipate impact forces; c) wherein said at least one substantially rigid outer shell is further structured and arrange to substantially surround said at least one force-dissipating liner. 17) The system according to claim 16 wherein said at least one rigid outer shell further comprises at least one molded plastic. 18) The system according to claim 16 wherein said at least one force-dissipating liner comprises at least one expanded polymer foam. 19) The system according to claim 5 wherein said at least one occipital bone protective cover further comprises: a) at least one substantially rigid outer shell structured and arranged to provide at least one rigid outer shell protection; and b) at least one force-dissipating liner structured and arranged to dissipate impact forces; c) wherein said at least one substantially rigid outer shell is further structured and arrange to substantially surround at least one force-dissipating liner. 20) The system according to claim 19 wherein said at least one rigid outer shell further comprises at least one molded plastic. 21) The system according to claim 19 wherein said at least one force-dissipating liner comprises at least one expanded polymer foam. 22) A system, relating to providing a protective hockey-coaching helmet relating to hockey-coaching participants, comprising: a) head protector means for protecting the skull of a hockey-coaching participant; and b) disguise means for disguising said head protector means as a baseball-style cap; c) wherein said head protector means comprises occipital bone-protective cover means for protective covering of at least the hockey-coaching participant occipital bone; and d) wherein said head protector means comprises securer means for securing said head protector means to the hockey-coaching participant skull. 